Whats the downside to getting an aftermarket Cam? Viper, Magnus, anyone else please!

[jhkcam]

First of all let me assure everyone that I have searched this topic to death b/c I know cams are a pretty common subject here.

What is the downside of getting a cam? I’m seeing things like 15-50 RWHP, depending on how much other stuff you get of course. But even some of the package deals are going for a few hundred dollars, which is less than some cat-backs, which won’t give you near that amount of gain… so what’s the deal?

I have a 3.4 and want to keep it streetable (seeing as I haven’t even made it to a track yet) and its my daily driver; but I’m also interested in getting some good power gains for my everyday 'fun' driving. In short, as long as it remains reliable, I want to get as much power as possible (like everyone else of course). :D

Viper, Magnus, anyone else who has greater knowledge than myself (doesn’t take much)... would getting a cam be a good next mod for my car? My current mods are listed below. I have close to $700 coming back from taxes, but that of course would have to cover installation as well, which I’m guessing is not that cheap.

Can I get a good cam package in this price range (or less if possible) w/ install ? Comp Cams seems to be the most popular, but I’m open to any suggestions cause really I’m an amateur when it comes to cams. I know the basic functions and physics from my research, but not the specifics and what would work well with any different cars.

I would greatly appreciate any help here from guys with new cams, esp. from the 3.4 because this seems like a very good mod for the money (hp per $). I’m serious in doing this if its possible and worth it. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Thanks a ton,

-Justin

[AZ3.8Camaro]

The more aggressive your cam is, the less streetable it becomes. Also the higher (ususally) your powerband will go. Cams need to be accompanied by the correct rear-end gear ratio to really improve your performance so that you stay in your powerband.

Another downside is the installation. If i wasn't doing it myself, I wouldn't be doing it because the install is time consuming and is accompanied by a high price.

But it is probably the best mod for N/A power.
Tough call... [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[StockV6Cam]

Since you have a 3.4 you're going to need to get a heads and cam package if you want to see some decent gains. The heads on our cars sucks big time! Go over to fbodytrader.com, register an account and post in the Website Suggestions forum under the 3.4L registry. This will give you access to the 3.4L Tech Forum. We have some advanced 3.4L related topics in there!

[Magnus]

Doubtful you'll be able to get a cam and install for under 700.

Downsides:
Install is expensive.
Not only do you have to buy cam but you have to buy gaskets.

Faster ramp rates and higher lifts put more stress on valve springs which can cause them to break over time.

More sress on the overall valvetrin because of the faster ramp rates.

Anytime you go internal you sadly risk damaging major components and even trashing the engine. If your careful the risk is minimal though.

Your car will idle rougher and may be harder to start depending on how agressive you go.

Fuel economy may suffer.

Low end torque may suffer.

Some things I can think of.

[jhkcam]

Okay, responding to all three that have replied so far:

My rear-end gear ratio is stock for a ‘95 (A4) at 3.23

StockV6, I’ll be sure to check that site out. Do you know how much a heads/cam package that I would need in a 3.4 would run (along w/ any other ‘suggested’ parts)?

Magnus, to your knowledge what would it run for a cam package (w/ gaskets, etc.) / install, if not for $700?
And when you said, "If your careful the risk is minimal" , what do I need to get in order to ‘prevent damage‘?

Thanks guys, i'm trying to learn a bit, and see if i can pull this off. [img]smile.gif[/img] Anyone else i'd be glad to get your thoughts as well.

-Justin

[StockV6Cam]

If you get the 3.4L PowerPak through SuperSix Motorsports it'll cost you around 1700 for the package and probably close to another grand for the install unless you do it yourself. Might want to try getting a few buddies together and seeing if you can save yourself some money and do the install.

[jhkcam]

ttt

[wolf]

comp cams cams are garbage for the 3.4 sence they are single pattern

[viper98885]

Give me a shout here in Louisville and we can discuss a head/cam package for you including intake manifolds and all. I have a spare set here that we can port and polish for you. I may be able to do heads/cam and installation for around $1700 depending on the parts that you want. I don't think it would be too much more than that though fully loaded.

502.552.5467